is my bike a 'parallel' import, or a 'grey'?

[Michael R1150GS Adventure]

V5 section 3 says

" WAS REGISTERED AND/OR USED. DECLARED MANUFACTURED 2003."

Date of first registration 01 04 2004

03 UK reg

Writing on top of tank (next to filler cap) is in german.

This query came up after finding out my headlight still pointed right (different thread). Anyone knwo how to find out import mileage as I am now cr@pping it that my bike has more than what is indicated on its UK clock!

OR can these be imoported new registered (0 miles that is)? then converted here?

Confused myself now...

 

[columbus]

Me again.

Cant directly answer all your questions but (theres always a but).

I have a '52 plate 1150GSA. The vehicle was imported by Drysdales in Perth (Scotland not western Australia). The first owner kept it for around about a year before he traded it back into Drysdales.

When I bought it the speedo was the original euro KPH only version, the headlight pointed the wrong way (but we know that story) and there was no service book/owners manual.

Drysdales supplied me with one of their own service booklets detailing the work they had done from point of sale.

I purchased a new speedo from James Sherlock and a service book with owners manual from Motorad Central in bishopbriggs. They also carried out a full service on the bike at this point so that I knew in myself that everything was ok.

I fitted the speedo and kept the old one. I also marked the service book, as there is a section for speedo changes, should I ever come to sell the bike (which is looking ever less likely) so the next owner wouldnt end up where unfortunately you seem to be just now.

From the text on your V5 I would read that as being a vehicle built in 2003 and also used outside the uk. The fact that it has an '03 plate with an 04 date of registration suggest to me that it was initially registerd abroad, this doesnt mean that it was used. It could have been registered and imported for example.

I've phoned a man who should know but he isnt in the office just now so if i get a reply i'll get back to you. I'm not at home but I think mine only has a date of manufacture and date of registration and I know it came into the UK new with no mileage.

If you do an online search for BMW VIN DECODER and stick the bike vin into it it should tell you the build details for your bike.

HTH

 

[IanPorter]

if I understand it correctly it wont be a grey import as they are bikes imported that are not officially available in this country

as it is a model that was available in this country it would make it a parallel import as far as I can see

 

[columbus]

Ok got through to another Dept. Their interpretation of your V5 is the same as mine (a vehicle built in 2003 and also used outside the uk)

You can try 0300 790 6802 which is a general enquiry number for Swansea and they should clear it up.

Hope it all turns out OK

 

[columbus]

Found the V5. Section3 "Declared new at first registration"

 

[Timpo]

grey import....... are bikes imported that are not officially available in this country

a model that was available in this country it would make it a parallel import

That is quite correct......

 

[Michael R1150GS Adventure]

so its a parallel.

ok then - thanks first of all

secondly

would that put anyone off buying it?

Any thoughts people??

 

[B4ndit]

Getting on a bit for people to be worried about its origins. Much more to worry about at that age. Might cause a little reduction in price. Wouldn't bother me too much.

 

[GS TRV]

Getting on a bit for people to be worried about its origins. Much more to worry about at that age. Might cause a little reduction in price. Wouldn't bother me too much.

+1 - condition is much more impt on a bike this age.

 

[davegs]

Imports

I brought a german import possibly an ex demo in 2001, new were in short supply (3+ months) so several dealers had these, I brough mine from SPC's
but L&C at tunbridge wells also did them been no prob at all apart from me
falling off! now at 87,000 still going strong!.
Dave GS

 

[kwallace21]

They're all made in the same factory!

 

[Packer]

If BMW Motorrad works like certain car manufacturers you may be able to trace the entire service/warranty history for the bike through the dealer computer system. May be worth a try.